Preparing to play a division rival is never an easy task, especially when it’s a short week. The New York Jets will head north this week to take on the New England Patriots Thursday night.

Unlike in previous years there hasn’t been any trash-talking between the two teams. They don’t have time for it. Both squads narrowly came away with victories last week and need to quickly come up with a gameplan.

The last time these teams squared off was the night of quarterback Mark Sanchez’s butt fumble in a Thanksgiving debacle. But that was then and this is now. It’s a new season and the Jets have a new look.

After guiding New York to victory in his first career start Geno Smith will lead his team into Foxborough. The rookie looked poised last week and if he was nervous he sure didn’t show it. This next test will show how tough his nerves really are.

Smith should take some notes from fellow rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel. The Buffalo Bills quarterback threw for 150 yards and two touchdowns against New England last week. Smith will have to be extremely efficient in order for New York to have a chance this week.

On the other sideline quarterback Tom Brady has been the epitome of efficient. Even with the loss of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez and tight end Rob Gronkowski suffering from an injury the Patriots’ offense is still a force to be reckoned with.

It seems as if no matter who is lined up at receiver Brady will find a way to get them the ball. Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Kenbrell Thompkins all stepped up in Week 1 and are viable options for their quarterback. The Jets’ defensive backs did a solid job last week, but any time you face Brady you know it’s going to be a challenge.

Head coach Rex Ryan and his Jets fought for 60 minutes last week and it paid off. They’re going to have to bring that fire again on Thursday night if they hope to start the season 2-0.